Workers’ Learning Needs Regarding Mental Health in Aboriginal, Same-Sex Attracted and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Young People

Abstract

This article highlights issues that may be of interest to clinicians and their managers regarding training, policy and service delivery.

A Model for Consultation with Aboriginal Stakeholders About Young People's Mental Health and Wellbeing: the NSW School-Link Training Program

“…The survey was distributed to 406 potential participants across NSW and 202 completed surveys were returned, of which 194 were valid for the purposes of this study. The trainers wrote the course based on a synthesis of the consultation with Aboriginal stakeholders, the learning needs analysis[1] and the literature review. Course development was guided by the curriculum development advisory group.…”

“…The course was highly valued by participants [1]. For example, 96% stated that the training would help them deliver a better service to their clients.…”

“…Historical, social and political factors contribute to the elevated rates of mental distress and disorder experienced by many Aboriginal young people 1–3. However, low rates of early service utilization and an over-representation in the acute end of care[2], [4] mean that these young people often do not receive the help they need [1]. Opportunities for early intervention, which is particularly important in adolescent mental health,[5] are frequently missed.…”

“…As the knowledge, skills and attitudes of clinicians are associated with uptake of services by Aboriginal people,[1], [6], [7] a training course for clinicians was developed, entitled ‘School-Link Training Phase 3: Mental distress and wellbeing in Aboriginal young people: Strength in culture’. The course included an extensive consultation process with Aboriginal stakeholders, which constitutes one of the most comprehensive consultations ever undertaken in relation to Aboriginal mental health and wellbeing, in New South Wales, Australia.…”

“…1Á3 However, low rates of early service utilization and an over-representation in the acute end of care 2,4 mean that these young people often do not receive the help they need. 1 Opportunities for early intervention, which is particularly important in adolescent mental health, 5 are frequently missed.…”